Elaine's Austrian Adventure

As we stood at the bottom of the mountain, in the valley, waiting for the ski lift to take us back, we observed the snow tustle off the tall pine trees and into the air where we stood, almost confusing us into believing it was real snow fall. A little while later, my new awesome friend exclaimed "Elaine, I think this time it is snowing!", "REAL SNOW!!!" I was grinning excitedly, gazing into the sky, inspecting the heights clear of branches: the source of this snow. Yes, this snow really was coming from the heights of the sky this time. My companion and I joked about my exclamation of "REAL snow" as if the former were not also natural snow! "Ah, but you know what I miss??! Those days when you could see snowflakes... not just lumps of snow!!" My new friend laughed at me, also slightly confused as he claimed he'd just seen one- but I wasn't so convinced! Probably just a clumped lump of the beautiful white stuff. I swear the last time I s...

Whaheyy! Liverpool (my home city) has just been voted 'The Kindest City in the UK' once again. See here:  http://independent-liverpool.co.uk/blog/liverpool-has-been-voted-the-kindest-city-in-the-uk/ So proud to belong to a city which is known for it's kindness <3 People from Liverpool are a special bunch. I always tell my foreign friends that we're certainly one of the friendliest cities with a great sense of humour. Some of the best comedians originate from Liverpool or the northern parts of the country- it's boss! ;) It's a lovely thing to be characterised by kindness. I love 'loving on' people (hehe there's my adopted american phrase coming out!) and being generous with what I have. Sometimes I forget to be kind to myself though (!), being naturally competitive (more about that in that in my post about basketball tomorrow probably!) I always wanna do my best and work hard. Sometimes I have to remember to give myself a break though and overco...

I'm so thankful for friends, I have to say. This afternoon, rather than being tempted to do something that might not be so helpful for me, one of my best friends encouraged me to get out into the great outdoors, 'cease that day' (and sunshine- though not sure where that went!) and go for a walk- and as a good, life's running partner: to share some pics with her of my discoveries on my exploration. I do love a mini exploration- anyone else?! So stepping out into the chilly weather with my many comfortable layers on of course, and my favourite cool rainbow trainers, I was on my way! Where to go I thought...? As I caught sight of the florist across the road; surprisingly looking open on a Sunday- I headed in that direction. Gazing at the beauty of nature's creation,  inhaling their sweet aroma, flowers of all kinds... oh happy soul. We both enjoy this tulip season and co-incidentally both currently have pretty tulips in our homes. We'd joked (my best friend...

Herzlich Wilkommen ♡ Hope this blog finds you well and keeping warm. It's Sonntag here in Vienna, the day of rest. I love the idea (the Creator's idea Himself) to take time to rest. A real rest. Be still. Be still my heart and know. You might be wondering why, now, I'm starting a blog entitled 'Elaine's Austrian Adventure' when it's not like I've just moved here! In fact, happily, I celebrated my 5 year anniversary just a couple of weeks back. Several times I've thought about starting a blog, having a fun place to share cultural discoveries I make and share my thoughts. For many years now, I've enjoyed writing my prayer newsletters, which some you reading this may have received. But anyhow, this lent I feel inspired to finally start a blog, create a space of encouragement and beautiful thoughts. Time to dig a bit deeper. So we'll see how this goes. This year, whilst still living in the beautiful city of Vienna, I decided to take a part-t...